Microfluidics fighting against Leukemia: The MEDLEM Project

Microfluidics fighting against Leukemia: The MEDLEM Project

Five European organizations from Serbia, Germany and France and three non-European institutions from New Zealand, Australia and Thailand will unite around the MEDLEM Project to make significant breakthrough in research against leukemia. The main idea behind the MEDLEM Project is to establish which chemotherapy is to be assigned to each individual patient in order to improve the chances for cure, decrease side effects and ensure that the total toxicity is below an allowable limit.

Leukemia

Acute promyelocytic faggot cells

Challenges in Leukemia’s treatment

Leukemia is a group of cancers that starts in blood-forming tissue and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. Worldwide, over 250000 people are diagnosed with leukemia each year, accounting for 2.5% of all cancers. An estimated 75000 new patients of leukemia will be diagnosed in Europe each year (around 40000 in USA). All age groups can be affected; leukemias are the most common pediatric tumor (35% of cancers in children aged 0–14 years).

The breakthroughs in diagnostics, therapy and improvements to therapy protocols have all led to long-term curing, with an overall five-year survival rate of almost 80% in children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). There is an utmost need for new treatments and new high-tech devices which can help in customized therapy of leukemias. The MEDLEM Project addresses this challenge.

The MEDLEM Project goals

Implementation of the MEDLEM Project will help in both detection of high risk patients, especially children, and general improvement of the human condition during invasive treatment, what chemotherapy definitely is. Its overall goal is to increase five and ten-year survival rates of patients with leukemia, in Europe and globally.

The MEDLEM Project involves three areas of research (Biomechanics, Medicine/Pharmacy and Electronics) in a unique fusion of knowledge with purpose to improve leukemia treatments. Microfluidic devices will be designed and optimized, reaching breakthroughs in modeling, drug administration and improvements in therapy protocols. Furthermore, microfluidic devices which will manage drug delivery, will be low cost, light weight and shock resistant. Long-term, high quality research providing improvement and important progress in leukemia treatments will be built up.

Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A new community of researchers

Intensive scientific exchange will be performed which will enable to establish a new, common, worldwide research area. Scientific cooperation between Europe and third countries should contribute to global approaches and solutions to societal challenge. Knowledge reached in the field will increase awareness for innovative solutions for leukemia treatment providing significant benefits for European and worldwide society.

Edited by Lauren Durieux

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